Adjustable cylinder papermaking machine



Nov. 10, 1953 2,658,428

P. H. GOLDSMITH ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 5, 1945 12 SheetS--SheelI l Nov. 10, 1953 P. H: GOLDSMITH ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Feb. 5, 1945,

l I I Nov. 1U. 191.53r P. H. GOLDSMITH ADJUSTABLE; CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Feb. 5, 1945 Nov. 10, 1953 P. H. GoLDsMlTH ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed Feb. 3, 1945 mgwl NNN k NNN..

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Nov. 10, 1953 P. H. GOLDSMITH ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Feb. 3, 1945 EN @NQ www mwN

Nov. 10, 1953 P. H. GoLDsMlTH ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Feb. 5, 1945 Nov. 10, 1953 P. H. GoLDsMlTH i 2,658,428

ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 3, 1945 l2 Sheets-Sheet '7 P. H. GOLDSMITH ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE Nov. T0, 1953 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed Feb. 3, 1945 Nov. 10, 1953 P. H. GOLDSMITH 2,658,428

ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 3 1945 l2 Sheets-Sheet 9 Nov. 10, 1953 P. H. GoLDsMlTl-l ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 Original Filed Feb. 5, 1945 Nov. 10, 1953 P. H. GoLDsMlTl-l ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MAcHNE 12 Sheets-Sheet l1 Original Filed Feb. 5, 1945 www mm n unala'gaf. um

P. H. GOLDSMITH ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPERMAKING MACHINE Nov. 10, 1953 12 SheelLs-Sheeil l2 Original Filed Feb. 5, 1945 Patented Nov. 10, 1953 ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER PAPRMAKING MACHINE Philip -H. Goldsmith, ,Wilmingtong Del., assignor' toThePusey" &' Jones Corporation; Wilmington," Del., a corporation'of Delaware Original application February 3, 1945, Serial No.

575,989. Divided fand this application November 17,` 1949, Serial No. 127,900

19 Claims.

1 This invention is a division of"my"c'pending. application Serial No.` 575,989gii1'ed February? 3, 1945, now Patent JN0. 2,509,296, dated May" This invention relates to papermaking `machines of the'cylinder vtype' and has as its main object the provision of arnachine capable ofV forming a uniform Web at much higher speeds, and/or with awider range'of stocks, than heretofore possible;

new mold construction; mold drive means, and

vacuumv andv pressurebox -arrar1genf1ent,r anda.

new vat constructionU involving an adjustable circle,`an adjustable dam for the circulating stockv` associated with the circle', and 'telescoping spill' gates for the White water; These and'other features of improvement are shown in practical embodiment in the accompanying` drawings, in which Figure 1 isfa plan View of vthe new machine,

Figure 2'is an end elevation,

Figure 3 is a side elevation, tending sidey Figure 4 is a side elevation, .drive side,`

Figure 5 is a section substantially,online'E- of Figure 2,

Figure 6 is a section substantially on? line 6-`6" of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is `a plan view of vacuum box structure;

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the'structure shown in Figure 7,

Figure 9 is an' end'elevation 'of the structure of Figures 7 an`d`8,

Figure 10 is a section' substantially' on iii-i 9 of Figure 7,

Figure 1l is a sectionsubstantiallyon i l-i I of Figure '7,

Figure 12 is asection substantially on 12-12 of Figure 7,

Figure 13 is a section substantially on l3-I3 of Figure 7,v

Figure -14 is a section substantially on' lt--li of Figure 7,'

Figure `15 is anlelevation of a part of a vat inner side wall,`

Figure 16 is va side elevation of the back head of and adjustable Vat circle,

Figure 17 is atsection substantially on line il-i'l of'Figure 16,

Figure 18 is an elevationlvof vertical supporting slide forrthe back head,

Figure 19Vis van elevation'ofthe 'upper portion ofrlthe :slide of Figure18as seen from the right of the latter,

line

line

line

The improved' performance is made possible by' a numberof vfeatures, notably'a line line

Figure 20` is an lelevation ofv a horizontal ad-'fe justin'g slide for the backhead,

Figure' 2l is an elevation or fthe slide ofligure-Y-i 20wasseenirom the' right of the latter;

Figure 22 is a crossesectionv of IIa pressure'chan-='- ber,`

Figure'23 is 'a' horizontal section of lan endpor#rh tion of a cylinder mold and-adjacentwatf Figure 24 is a section"substantiallyonline;`

t-Ellof Figure 23, Y

Figure 25 is a f section` substantially on: line"- 25-25 of Figure 23,

Figure 26y is a Sectionof astructural lelement which appears in Figure 23;

Figure 27 isa partial elevation of avane'forrrr`Av ing a part of the mold,

Figure 28 isa brokenI section 'substantially`onfA4 line 28e-28 of Figure-'3;'

Figure-29 is aV View partly in elevation" andy partly-in Vertical section oi fa' vat dump valve;

Figure 30 is a vertical section, taken longitud-il-u nallyc the machine,V of -a spill chamber,

Figure-31 isa section, taken'across thema-- chineyof thefspill chamber of--Figure and-fan other spill chamber at the-'opposite sideof thel machine,

Figure 32 is 'any enlarged vievv'of the lower portion offthe -spill chamberof 41li 'gure V30fvvithf4parts in a dinerent relation, andv Figure 33 is a diagram of a complete' system-im corporating thenew machine.n

Referring to the drawingsv and'iirst to Figures` 1 to 5, reference numeralliil'designatesgeneraiw ly the vat and reierencernumerall theunold-- The vat is rectangular in plan and at 4the tending` side, Figure 3, comprises a'- longitudinal `I baseA member t2, and aty the drive side,l Figure v4,' a generally similar longitudinal basel member 435 End side wall memberslilhand :45' are securedon top of the base member 42,"and' similar endmem# bers @Fand-i7 are-secured on topoithe'basememL bei1v` 43 j Reference numerall @designates-a 'cen-L trai side Wall portionl which has -a-flange-49%lap=- ping `the outer margin of membertltfand 1aangef 59 Whichbutts the vertical face 5l of a spillV cham# ber cover`52 which is bolted to andrforms "a partfd of m'emberd: MemberAeis boltedlandsealedlthroughout its l side and: 'bottom edges,v itsbottomi edge buttingthe longitudinal base member 42.

Reference numeral 53 designates a central Wall member on the drive' side of-the machine having avertical fiange 54 vlappingfthe-margini of member il Vand bolted thereto anda lang'eiit'r` butting the vertical face V56"of":aspillch'amber' cover 5l which forms a part' of member 46? Members L18 and 53, as will be later explained, support the mold and the vacuum box structure, forming therewith a rigid unit which can be readily set in position or removed.

Referring particularly to Figure 5, reference numeral S designates a fixed outer circle which is supported between the base members i2 and 133 and the end wall portions iii and 41, the circle being substantially concentric with the cylinder from an inlet 59, which extends the full width of the vat, around to a point E@ from which point the circle bulges outwardly into a portion El of smaller radius.

Reference numeral t2 designates an inner vat circle formed of flexible sheet material, preferably stainless steel, Monel metal, or bronze. At its left end, Figure 5, the sheet is looped to provide a tear drop formation or iront head 63 in which is disposed a tubular member 54 of oblong section which extends between closed side walls, as at 65, of the head the ends of tube (it being open. Desir-ably, seals can be provided around the ends of tube 6d for contact with the inner side walls of the vat whereby to prevent the entrance of stock into the tube. Disposed along the outer inclined margins of the tube 64 are a pair of racks as at 68 which are arcuate substantially on a center G1 below the cylinder.

Reference numeral 68 designates a shaft extending through the tube 84 and journalled in the vat wall portions i4 and 47, the shaft having fixed thereto gears as at E9 which engage the racks as at 86. On the tending side, shaft 68 has fixed thereto a worm wheel in a housing ifi,

the worm wheel being engaged by a worm in a f housing the worm being mounted on a shaft which has a squared projecting end i2 which is engageable by a suitable wrench. By rotating shaft i2, the gears as at E9 can be driven in either direction to adjust the front head 85 of the inner circle between the full and dotted line positions shown, the two sets of gears and racks holding the head square across the vat. Wash-out doors for the tube 84 are shown at i3 and li, Figures 3 and 4.

Referring to Figures 5 and 15 to 21, the circle 82 at its other end is fixed to a back head 'i5 which comprises open side frames EG and 'Ita which are connected at the left by the upper portion of the circle and otherwise by walls l?, i8 and 19. The openings SEB and 85a. of the side frames are connected by a tube 80', Figure 17. The outer faces of the side frames are provided with grooves 8|, 82, and 8 la, 82a, which are arcuate substantially about the point 81.

Reference numeral 83 designates an arcuate groove in the vat wall portion d8, the contour of the groove being shown also at 84 in Figure 4, the groove being arcuate substantially about the mold center. Reference number 85 designates an arcuate slide disposed in the groove 83 and having an arcuate key 85 slidable in the way 8| and a pin 87 slidable in the way 82. Slide 85 has an elongated opening 88 on the inner side of which is a series of rack teeth 89 which are parallel to the edges of the slide. An exactly similar slide is arranged in a way in the opposite side wall of the vat, its contour being designated at 88, Figure 3.

Slidable on parallel rails as at 8|, S2 and Sla, 20@ of the side frames 15 and 16a are slides as at 93, Figures 5 and 20, these having openings as at 9E. provided with a series of rack teeth 95 which are arcuate substantially on the center 6l. A shaft 96 is journalled in the vat side walls and has gears as at 91 engaging the racks as at 89 of the slides as at 85. A shaft S8 journalled in the vat side walls is equipped with gears as at S9 engaging the rack teeth as at 95 of the slides as at 93. The shaft 55 has a worm fixed thereto in a housing |80, Figure 3, and engaged by a worm which has a squared operating shaft |i| projecting from a housing |82. Shaft 88 has a similar worm wheel and worm connection, the worm shaft having a projecting squared end |83 shown as engaged by a reversible ratchet wrench |04 which is also applicable to the shaft ends 12 and IGI. Shafts 9G and 98 both pass through the openings as at 88 in the slides as at 85, while shaft 98 also passes through the openings as at S4 of the slides as at 93.

As shaft 98, Figure 5, is rotated clockwise, the slides as at are moved equally upwardly carrying the back head and lifting the attached end of the inner circle. During this adjustment the slides as at 93 remain stationary, the end frames sliding upwardly relative to them. The gears as at 99 are held in mesh with the rack teeth due to engagement of the shaft 98 with opposed locating iianges, as at |85, of the slides as at 93. As shaft 98 is turned in a counter-clockwise direction, Figure 5, the slides as at 93, and therewith the entire back head are carried toward the mold as guided by the key and groove connections with the slides as at 85. With the maximum inward adjustment at both ends of the inner circle and with maxi mum Vertical adjustment of the back head 15, the circle will occupy the dotted line position shown in Figure 5. The point 8? is midway between the two extreme positions of the inner circle on a vertical radius of the mold.

Considering the parts as occupying the position shown in Figure 5, inward and upward adjustment of the front head E3 will not substantially affect the bottom portion of the inner circle, and this adjustment can be read on a scale IBS from a pointer |81 on shaft 68, Figure 3. Similarly, if shaft 98 is turned to move the back head 15 from the position shown in Figure 5, the bottom of the inner circle will not be materially aifected and the adjustment can be read on a scale |08 from a pointer |82 on shaft 98. In order to adjust the bottom circle, shaft Se is turned and this will not substantially affect the circle otherwise. This is because the back head moves in a path substantially concentric with the mold. This adjustment is registered by a pointer I8 fixed on shaft 96 and cooperating with a scale The side edges of the inner circle Lbetween the heads have a slight clearance with the smooth inner surfaces of the vat side walls and consequently distortion due to frictional drag is prevented and the inner circle, supported only at its ends, always takes a definite contour, i. e., fiexure curve, as determined by the head adjustments.

The inlet opening `59 is defined by a front wall |2 which depends from a rounded formation at the leading edge of the fixed circle 58, and the side walls of the inlet opening are dened by inner face portions of base elements 42 and 43. The lower end of the opening is in connection with a feed section ||3 which, like the opening 59, extends the full width of the Vat. At the juncture of walls 'I7 and 'I8 of the back head 15, there is provided a fitting ||4 having a downwardly opening horizontal cylindrical channel ||5 in which is engaged a cylindrical rod IIS which carries a sheet or curtain -||'l having a horizontal hinge connection ||8 with a sheet or curtain ||9 which is held sldably against the rearwall of feedconduit ||31bymeansofguides:l

as at ixed to the front wall of the conduit; The curved bottom wall 77 of the baclchead and curtain .portions ||7 and| |El constitute the 'backV wall of the inlet opening. Due tothehinged curtain portions, the back wall is self-adjusting with the back head. To avoid air binding at the top of the inlet, a Vent tube 77' is led from an opening in -wall 77, at its highest point, through and:V`

above the top wall 75 ofl the bach head.V Other- Wise, the inlet could not rise above the bottomlevel ot the adjustable circle.

The stock rises in the inletopening 55*and ows between the outer and innercircles'inthedirection of the arrows and overthefronthead whichl constitutes a making board. The curve 5| is designed `with reference to the front head 53| toY bring theilowv quietly over thefhead, the top of -thecurve preferably not exceeding 45 fromthe` vertical'so as to avoid a ledge under which foam-could accumulate. The'stock then flows in the direction of the arrowsbetween the'inner circle andthe mold and risesto a height determined by a circulating stool; dam.

Reference numeral |2| designates a vat endwall extending between vat portions 52,' 33 and d5 and thus closing thef'end of the vat from top to bottom. which project inwardly from near the top oi wall |2| is a rock shaft |23 which has fixed thereto adjacent the vat sides, arms as at |25, Figure',

whose :tree ends are pivoted to bars |25 and |25v which have longitudinally extending guide slots and`l25. Also pivoted to bars |25and |25 are links |25 and `|25 whose other ends are pivoted to the vat sides so that a parallelogram arrangementwith the arms as at |25 Vis provided. Shaft |23 extends through the vatside `wall of the tending side, Figure 3, and has'xed thereon an arm having a forked slotted end engaging trunnions on a nut |3i engaged with a threaded vertical shaft |32 which is journalled on the side member and is eouipped'with a reversible` ratchet wrench |33; By suitably rotating shaft |32,'n`ut 13| is moved up or down to correspond-1 ingly swing arm |55 and rock shaft |23 sothatA the bars |25 and can be lifted or lowered, always in horizontal position.

Reference numeral |34 designates a plate or curtain having a top angle |35 provided withV pins engaged in the slots of bars |25 and |25. The side edges of curtain |35 are guided'at their lower ends in grooves |35 and |37, Figures 5 and l?, in the side frames 75 and 75a of the back head 75. Regardless oi' the position of the back head, curtain |35 can be lifted and lowered by rocking shaft |23 and the adjustmentcan be yread `on a scale |38, Figure 3, with which cooperates a pointer it at the free end oi arm |55. Also, with the curtain at any adjusted elevation, the backv head can be freely moved horizontally yand vertically due to the sliding provisions. The range of adjustment oi the bars |25 and |25 and of the back head is such that there will be no jamming of parts when the former are in their lowest position and the latter is in its topmost position. In Figure 5, curtain |34 is at top adjustment somewhat higher than it 4would be in actual use. The ordinary liquid level in the vat at the making board side is indicated by the letter Z, and at the overflow side by the letter l.

The stock overflowing the dam constituted by the curtain |35 passes into a chamber |40, Figures 1 and 5, defined at its rear by the vat wall" i2| and at its iront by the curtain |34, the back 1Bivoted in brackets as at |22 6 head1f15;and-the curtain: :portions and:y I It;` the sides of .-thechamber lllfbeingfdened'by the.` innervsurfaces yofthe vat sidewall memberswia: and 55 and of the base members A2 'and1'43- The stock. level in chamber Il@ will generally :be abouti as indicated by theline l, Chamberllithas an elongated bottom openingi 4| :in connection with? an adapter `|132 which changes, with substantially/f constant cross-'sectional area, tol the diameter of l thecirculatin'g stock-pipei References numerals |li3i and'- IMg- Figure 5, designatewhite water chambers atithe' ends ofi-wk the mold,-these being'connected-by coredconduits` |5`and.1| i5? with the ends of `a white Water cross pipe- Hlwhose extremitiesareclosedby wash out doors H1B and |59;r Reference numeral |50, Figures 1, 2 and 5, designates a-center'con'nectionL from the pipe |47 to-avwhite water downfpipe `|5 |75 Adjacent the white water chambers Iiand Mii# are white water spill chambers |52 and |53,l Figures 1 and 30 tof32. They chamber |52'f'is deiined by the member 45 Vand the lcover plate 52 and has a rear wall l5 which is an integral part of member 55;" Chamber `|52 'comprises a lower portion |52 cored in .the longitudinal member 42.

Opposed Verticallyextending grooves |55*andv |55 extend from thetop of thevat to the bottom-4 of chamber |52 and slidably receive a telescoping gate |57.- Gate |57 comprises a topA section' in cluding a rectangular plateA |5-"an'd-astrip` |59i secured along its topmargiIr-the plate'and "strip filling the grooves |55 and |55 transverselylwith ay loose sliding nt. Secured alongthe-lower'rnargin;L of plate |58 on the same side as strip |55is a strip |56 which is engaged under Va similar Astrip I5! se'- cured along the top margin* of a rectangular plate' |52. Secured along the opposite top margin of plate |52 is a strip |53 givinga loose sliding t'in the guide grooves. Secured along the lower mar gin of plate |52 at the same side as strip IGI is a similar strip |54, and secured along the opposite lowermargin of plate |52 isa still narrower strip |55 which takes under a similar'strip |65" secured along the'top `margin of a rectangular plate |57. Secured along the bottommarginY of4 plate |57 on the same side as striplii is a strip" |58 which isvoi the same width as the first strip |59.

In Figure 32, the gate sections are shown in fully telescoped relation entirely within chamber; portion |52 and resting on a filler block |69;` f the ktop section is pulled upwardly, its stripv |50 will eventually engage strip |5| of plate'lQu and the latte-r will be pulled upwardly, its strip' |55 eventually engaging strip It@ and pulling plate |57 upwardly. With the gateall theway.' up, the top section abuts -a filler block` |70 fixed in the top of the guide grooves. To prevent Vany tendency for the sections to stick together so that the bottom section would be pulled above the bottom of the white water chamber at the end of the mold, the bottom strip |58 may be provided with pins as at |7| which will engagew fixed lug portions as at |72. In Figure 3l, refer-- ence numeral |73 designates the lower section of a telescoping gate, exactly like the gate |57, are |ranged in the chamber |53, and in Figureel, reference numeral |74 designates a ller block at the top of the guide lgrooves of chamber |53.

Reference numerals |75 and |76 designate brackets xed'to chamber'wall |55 and to the back wall of chamber portion |52 and rotatably supporting the ends of a screw shaft |77Which` 'engages anut |78 having av horizontal'pivotal connection |19 with a fitting |80 fixed to plate |58. Fixed to the lower end of shaft |11 is a bevel pinion IBI. Reference numeral |82 designates a similar screw shaft for the drive of the gate 4of chamber |53, shaft |82 having a bevel pinion |83 fixed to its lower end. Pinions IBI and |83 engage bevel pinions |84 and |85 on a suitably journalled cross shaft |85, the shaft, for convenience of installation, including a central portion |81 supported in bearings |88 and |89. The central shaft portion is connected to end portions |92 and |93 through jaw couplings |94 and |95. Fixed to the shaft end |92 on the tending side of the machine, Figure 3, is a sprocket |94 engaged by a chain |95 which runs to a sprocket adapted to be driven by a hand wheel |96 rotatable on a stud |91 which projects from the spill chamber cover plate 52. By turning the hand wheel, the two gates are simultaneously and equally adjustable between the fully eX- tended relation shown in Figures 30 and 3l and the fully collapsed relation shown in Figure 32. With the described inter-engagement of the gate sections, the gates can be of slight thickness so that little space is required for them. In order that the liquid level inside the -mold may be readily observed, cover plates 52 and 51 may be provided with vertically extending transparent windows |93 and |99 which may be provided with scales, lights being provided in the upper ends f the spill chambers.

Chambers |52 and |53 are provided at their lower ends with wash out doors 280 and 29| at the ends 0f a cross chamber 253 which connects the lower ends of the spill chambers. In Figures 3 and 31, reference numeral 294 designates a spill leg extending downwardly from chamber 203.

Reference numerals 225 and 296, Figures 3, 4

and 5, designate wash out doors which give acv cess to the vat circles just below the front head 53. Reference numerals 291 and 298 designate wash out doors giving access to the inlet 55 and lower portion of the circulating stock chamber |49. A wash out door 2m gives access to the bottom circles on the drive side of the machine while on the tending side of the machine, a dump valve 209 is provided for both bottom circles.

Referring to Figures 3 and 29, reference numeral 2H) designates an opening in the inner side wall of member 42, this being ordinarily of the same size and disposition as the wash out door 2|9 as seen in Figure 5, the opening eX- tending from close to the mold down t0 the bottom circle. The outer margins of opening 2|!) provide a seat for a gate 2| which is faced over its whole inner surface with soft gasket rubber 2 l2. Gate 2 has at its upper end a rearwardly projecting lug 2|3 received between depending legs of a bracket 2|4 which support a pin 2| 5 passing through an opening 2|6 in lug 2|3, the opening being horizontally elongated, in the closed position cf the gate shown in Figure 29, so as to permit the gate to set evenly throughout. The gate is disposed in a chamber 2li closed by a side plate 2|8. Member 42 provides end walls for the chamber 2 1 and in these walls is journalled a horizontal rock shaft 2|9 to a projecting end of which is xed a handle 222. Keyed to shaft 2|9 within compartment 2V:H is a radially projecting socket member 22| in which is threaded the shank of a pin 222 which is connected by a toggle link 223 with anges as at 224 on the back of gate 2| In the full line position of parts, Figure 29, the toggle is slightly broken downwardly and handle 2 20 is held against an abutment portion 225 by axially movable pin 226. By pushing pin 226 to the right, Figure 3, handle 220 can be swung downwardly to open the gate, the parts assuming the dotted line position, Figure 29, and being retained by a sliding pin 221 which takes over the handle. Any liquid in the vat flows through chamber 2|1 and out to a sewer or drain through a bottom opening 223. When the valve is open, both the outer and inner circles are simultaneously dumped.

The mold 4| comprises a pair of concentric end rings 229 and 248 to which are secured a multiplicity of forwardly pitched vanes or blades 23|, Figures 6 and 23 to 27.

The end ring 229 comprises a portion 230 having an inner face 230' in which is formed a number of concentric annular grooves 232. The ring portion 239 has an outer peripheral face 233 which terminates at a radial shoulder 234 surmounted by a conical face 235 which extends upwardly and outwardly to an annular groove 236 bounded outwardly by an annular end ange 231 having an outer flat face 238. The inner face of ring portion 230 is provided with an annular rabbet 239.

Between the faces 234 and 238, ring portion 230 is provided with a multiplicity of forwardly pitched grooves 240. Each vane 23| is in the form of a relatively thin slat of suitable metal, such as stainless steel, with its longitudinal edges preferably rounded as particularly shown in Figure 24. Adjacent each end, the vane is cut away at its lower margin to provide a reduced portion 24| which is received in a slot 240. The depth of the slot 240 is indicated by the line 242 in Figure 26 and below this line, the shoulder 243 of the vane abuts the face 234 of the ring member 239. The top of each slot 240 is filled with weld metal 244 and smoothed olf. To further secure the vanes in place, they are notched in register with the groove 236 and by a ring 245 is shrunk into the groove, thereby securely locking the vanes to the ring member.

The ring 229 also includes an internally toothed ring gear 246 which is screwed to the outer face of ring member 239 and extends into the rabbet 239, and between the rabbet and face 230 an annular track 241 is screwed to the inner face of the ring member, the track having a diameter equal to the pitch diameter of gear 249.

The other ends of the vanes 23| are similarly secured to the other end ring 248 which is of the same construction as ring 229. Reference numeral 249 designates intermediate rings of round cross section which are threaded through opening in the vanes 23| and welded in the manner particularly shown in Figure 24. Rings 249 are originally split, having their ends welded together after assembly with the vanes,

As shown in Figure 27, the outer edges of the vanes are provided with notches 23|' which succeed each other spirally around the cage constituted by the rings and vanes, and have set therein a winding wire 259 which, as shown in Figure 23, is in the form of a narrow strip disposed on edge in the notches. The winding wire supports a backing wire 25| which, in turn, supports a face wire 252 and the ends of the backing and face wires are clamped against the outer faces of the end rings by clamping rings 253 and 254. These three wires constitute the mold covering, as herein contemplated.

In Figure 27, another type of intermediate ring is shown at 249'. The vane and `ring are com- `plementarily notched in egg box fashion with the inner face of the ring flush `with vthe inner edge of the `.vane toprovide van uninterrupted rectilinear line along the inner edge `of the vane, this line constituting an element of an imaginary cylinder. `Both types ofinterniediate rings can beused in the same cage.

The rrnoldy 1 constructed as described, is extremely rigid. VThe forward pitching vof the vanes are designed .to :provide :a mild inward pumping action, thus avoiding injury to Y the forming web even at high speeds. vIn a 60 cylinder mold,'for example,.thevanes may have, a width of 2% and a thickness of 1/4". As here shown, each vane is pitched forwardly=45 to a radius intersecting the half depth of the vane. Thespacing of the vanes is about 11/4 ybetween centers so that the total number of vanesis 150.

Shelves 255 and 256 projecting outwardly ofl the middle sidewall sections Vit and..53 carry y bearings 251 and 258 which may be shimmedas requiredandwhich support a mold drive shaft 259, Figures l to and 28. As shown in-the latter iigure, in particular, the shat 259Ycornprises a central portion 26|) in the form of a forgedtube. Driven into the left hand end vof the tube-is -a journal 26| on which `are keyed a roller 26 and gear 263, the diameter of the roller being the pitch diameter'of the gear.

gear 246. The left-hand extremity of shaft 259 is'formed for coupling to a suitable drive motor. Reference numeral 264 designates a spacer sleeve on the journal 26|. the right-hand end of the tube 265 and haskeyed thereon aroller 266V anda gear 261, the same as roller 262Yand gear 268, which engage the track and internal gear of the mold end ring 248.

`the tending side and in bearings.214,.215 and `216 on the drive-side.

In Figure `5, the openings -in-thevat side wall portion 53 through which the positioning shafts passare indicated atr211,` 218 and 219, similar openings being provided Ain the vat sidesection 48. 'The bearings are bolted to the mold side wall sections through slots paral- -lel to the mold radius intersecting the axis vof the-associated shaft. Radial adjustment is effected by threaded studs as at 28| extending Y through lugs as at 282 and equipped with clamping nuts.

Positioning shaft 262 is shown in Figure 6 and like the drive shaft, comprises a central tubular section having journals driven` in its ends. Fixed on .the lei-t hand journalV are a. roller 285. and a gear iwhich respectively engage trackY Zeiiand gear.. Zii.

.Fixed on the right-hand journalof shaft 266 is a roller 255 which engages the track of the mold end ringfii, and other rollers could engage intermediate mold rings such as the rings 229 oilligureVv 21. The diameter of rollers'263 and` 265 is the pitch diameter of gear 265 so that @they rotate witnthe tracks without slipping.

Means suchas disclosed are provided for driving the positioning shafts so as to prevent the possibility ofl their standing still softhat the roll- The roller. -engages thetrack 241 and gear 263 engages the A journal 265 is driven into 10 ers would be Worn unevenly and would thus cause vibration when again rotating.

The illustrated position for the Vdrive shaft 25! is selected since, aswillbe hereinafter4 described,y it enables the shaft to be positioned in a slice box with the zone of engagement of the gear teeth out of water. Furthermore, this positioning of the relatively strong drive shaft enables Vthe weight of :the customary couch roll and its ,lever weighting, in additionv to` the weight of the inold, to be supported withoutdistortion of the shaft. Eachrend of themold is driven so that torsional strains are avoided.

Reference :numerals :286 -and 281 represent wash out plugsat-the tending side of the mold .end `and reference numerals'Zi,I 236 designate wash out plugs the side wall, at the drive side of. the mold end.

n'iF-igure', reference numerals 282 and 290 designate chime rings in the form of arcuate angles whichfarexed to the vat side, extending to the top oi the latter, with outer peripheral surfaces .ush with the peripheral surfaces of the ring gears,A which latter, constitute cooperating chime rings. UReference numerals 26E and E52 designate garter straps which bridge the clearance between` the chime rings. YAs shown in Figure 23, the strap 29| comprisesan annularly channeled rubber strapZC-l straddling the clearancewith grocved legs resting on the rings, the rubber strap'being fixed to abacking strapf22i of yheavy canvas or the like. VThe ends of the straps are equipped with threadedstuds which are connected by nuts with ears provided on brackets 295,

226, 261, and298,:Figure 1, xed on the middle side wall portionsoi the vat. Y.The straps are .readily removableto permit'thereinoval of the mold.

`Referring.particularly to Figures 6 to le, a vacuum box .structure `generally designated by the reference numeraliZiQ comprises a flat horizontal base plate 5&6 which extends between vertical parallel end walls'l and 362 of `which the f former appears in elevation in Figure 9. The end plates areadapted to be screwed against YVtheiinnerffaces of the removable middle-side walls of the 1 vat. Spaced inwardly of thel end plate fii'l! are aligned vertical wallportionsfll'l and 361i which are parallel to the end plate. Similar wall portions 325 and 6B6-aresimilarly spaced inwardly of plate392. The wall portions 323 and Yare shown in elevation in Figures l0 to 12 and from these iigures it will be seen that their -upper edges are curved on the center of the mold and on a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the path of the inner edges of the vanes. 23E, this path being indicated by the dotted circle 361. In Figure 9 the dotted circle 361 is the outer periphery of. gearr 246, in Figure ll the circle 3D1 is the addendum line of gear :246, and inFigure 12 the circle 361'" is the inner periphery-of the roller ring 241.

Reference numeral 308 designates a horizontal wall ina plane above the wall 360 and having its ends iixed to the end walls 36| andSZ. A vertical wall 359 extends between plates'lil and 653 and has its ends secured to the end walls 36| and3ll2. vThe outer edge of plate 323 within the mold, extends adjacent the circle 361 and has fixed thereto a sealing strip 3|!) which is about Tg" inwardlyof circle 301. Aligned plates 3|! and 312 extend between the outer; lower margin of'plate 308 and the adjacent edge of plate 3643, the inner ends of plates 3| l and 3i2 being spaced vapart to provide an open central recess 3|3. Reference numerals 314 and 315 designate pipes which extend through the end plates 301 and 392 and through walls 316 and 311 which close the sides of the cavity 313. The outer end of one or the other of pipes 314 and 315 is plugged while the outer end of the other pipe, shown as being the pipe 314, Figure 6, is in connection with a suction pipe 336.

Reference numeral 318 designates a horizontally bent wall rising from plate 303 and extending between wall portions 304 and 303 and having a vertical upper portion adjacent wall 369 provided along its upper edge with a sealing strip 319 which is spaced about le from the circle 301. A vertical wall 320 extends between wall portions 303 and 305, and an arcuate plate 321 connects the top of wall 320 and the outer` edge of the bottom wall 300, the outer surface of wall 321 lying close to the circle 301. A sealing strip 322 extends along the lower outer margin of wall 32| and is spaced about 14.-," inwardly ci circle 301. Reference numerals 323 and 324 designate vertical wall portions extending between walls 301 and 303 and between walls 302 and 305, respectively. As indicated in Figures and 1l, the wall portion 323 has a bottom recess 325 which permits free ilow along the top of plate 300.

As will be seen from Figure 6, the vertical wall portions as at 304 and 306 are adjacent the exposed inner faces of mold rings 248 and 229 respectively, so as to form seals therewith, the forming of the seal being aided by the grooves as at 232 in the ring face, Figures 23 and 26, which hold water. Moreover, these wall portions can coact with the end rings to prevent axial movement of the mold. Walls 360, 309 and 318 denne a dry box 326, it being noted that the top of plate 308 is above the level Z in the vat, Figure 5. Walls 318 and 320 define a slice box 326 which is upwardly open and which receives the drive shaft 259, a section through the portion 260 of the drive shaft appearing in Figure 5. The end wall plates are downwardly recessed, as shown, in order to pass the drive shaft.

Reference numeral 321 designates a pipe whose ends extend through the end walls 301 and 302 and are closed by wash out plugs 326 and 329. Centrally pipe 321 has a connection 330 with the dry box 326. On the tending side of the machine pipe 321 has a bottom opening communicating with a vertical conduit 331 formed in the middle mold side wall section 43 and terminating down- Wardly in a chamber 332 formed in the base member 42. A baille 333 extends across the top portion of chamber 332 to the right, Figure 3, of conduit 331. The chamber has an outlet 334 to the left of and below the baffle and an outlet 335 to the right of and above the lower end of the baffle.

In Figures 7 and 9, reference numeral 331 designates a dam rimming, an opening 336 formed in plate 306 between wall portions 3D2 and 305, the opening 338 having a connection 339 with a pipe section 346 which runs through wall 302 to an opening in the adjacent side wall of the vat in connection with a pipe 341, Figure 4.

Reference numerals 342 and 343, Figures '1 and 10 to 12, designate sealing strips secured to the edges of plate 300 between walls 30|, 333, and 302, 305, respectively. Referring to the strip 343, its outer edge is contoured to form a seal with adjacent parts. The edge portion 344 extends close to the track 241 of the mold ring 229 and the edge 345 is closely adjacent the teeth of gear 246. The edge 346 lies closely along the outer face of the gear 246 and the edge 341 extends against the chime ring 289. Edge 348 lies against the vat side wall structure. It will be seen that the sealing strip 342 is conformed like the strip 343.

The wall 308 is contoured as shown in Figure 7 and in the sectional views of Figures 10 to 12. It has an edge portion 349 lying close to the roller ring, as particularly shown in Figure 12, and an edge portion 350 which lies close to the teeth of the ring gear, Figure 11. The face 351 is close to the outer face of the ring gear and the edge 352 is against a xed chime ring of the vat, while the notch 353 receives the garter strap bracket 291, Figure 1. A similarly contoured plate portion 308:1 is provided between walls 302 and 306, the notch 353a receiving the garter strap bracket 295, Figure 1.

In Figures 3, 4, 5 and 33, the reference numeral 354 designates a couch roll disposed above the slice box 326 and reference numeral 355 designates a felt. Disposed in the slice box just in advance of the couch nip is an outwardly faced channel 356 having arcuate lips of a width to bridge the space between adjacent varies and disposed about a Tlc" away from the path of the inner edges of the vanes. The channel 356 may be supported at its ends by the wall portions 304 and 306. Reference numeral 351 designates an opening at one end of the channel in connection, through a suitable control valve, with the mill air pressure system. The channel can be drained through a valve 358 at one end of the channel and toward which the channel bottom slopes.

Reference numeral 359 designates a slice cooperating with the felt, the slice water dropping into inclined troughs 360 and 361 which deliver the water onto plates 308 and 308e, Figure '1, s0 as to provide a water seal along edges of the platesy an eiective seal being thus provided between the ring gears and roller tracks and other adjacent structure.

Reference numeral 362 designates a shower directed against the mold face outwardly of the slice box.

Referring to Figure 33, the white water is led from connection 151 through a pipe 363 to a mixer 364 of the type disclosed in my prior Patent No. 2,354,007 of July 18, 1944. If a screen is used in connection with the vat system, dilution water for the same may be taken from conduit 363 by a pipe 363. A pipe 365 is in connection with the adapter 142 at the circulating stock outlet and leads to the mixer 364. The level of the stock in the circulating stock chamber is controlled by a choke valve 366. In other words, when the valve 366 is opened fairly wide, the flow from the chamber 140 through adapter |42 and pipe 365 is increased, thereby lowering the level of the stock in the chamber 140 and, conversely, when the valve is partially closed, the discharge will be decreased and the level will be raised. New stock can be admitted to the mixer from a pipe 361 controlled by a choke valve 368. Water from the slice box 326' is led from the opening 340 to pipe 365 through a pipe 369. The stock mixture is sent by a pump 310 to an inner conical tank 311 of an up-flow head box 312, the stock flowing evenly over the upper edge of tank 311 and down into the annular space between the latter and an outer conical tank 313 which is upwardly open for air escape. The stock is led from the bottom of tank 313 through a conduit 314 to a flow spreader 315 preferably of the type disclosed in my Patent No. 2,465,445, dated March 29, 1949.

. zones. stantially higher in therdrybox thanl inthe reaccedas ,The novi/,spreader delivers to the conduit section H3 which is inconnection with the moldinlet.

The outlet 334,0f chamberl 332, Figures 3 and 6, is in connection with a water leg 316 which terminates downwardly in a box 311. Outlet335 lor chamber 33E is connected by a pipe 318 with a vacuum header 319. Interposed in pipe318 are a bleeder valve 380, a gauge 38 l and a control valve 382. The header 319 is in connection with a vacuum pump 383 througha pipeis which includes a relief valve335 for the control of the vacuum in the header. Pipe 336, which is in connection with pipe 3| 4 in the mold, extends to the header 319 and has interposed therein a bleeder valve 333, la gauge-381, and a `control valve 338.

A water leg 389 extends from the headerzSiS .to the box 311 and the spill pipe 234 also extends to the box.

With the machine in operation, water is pulled inwardly by the vanes so that an eifective seal is provided between them and the sealing strips 3M), 3l?! and 322 completely across the mold. These strips have a width at least Vas great as the spacing of the vanesso that there will .always be at least one vane opposite each strip.

The provision ofI the water seals makes it unnecessary for the sealing strips to contact the vanes and the strips can be made of suitable hard metal. between the mold .and the sealing strips.

It has already been explained how a water yseal is provided between the edges of plates 308, vSilct, and the adjacent structure.

vthrough the mold.

Vacuum is applied to the mold interior through pipe 336 from sealing-strip322 aroundthe` mold in the direction of ,the rotation to the sealing strip Slt, and vacuum is applied through pipe vZilli between the sealing strips 319 and- 3!9:which define the dry box. lVacuum isthus applicable around the mold substantially all the 4way from the point of -submergence to a point near the couch nip. Thus,v very eective drainage .is securable, slippage. is prevented at and in advance of the point of emergence, and crushing .at3the couch nip is-avoided. Whilethe mold may be variously compartmented by the vacuum structure, it is preferable to provide two vacuum zones asindicated since it issometimes of yadvantage to use 4different degrees of' vacuumgin :the-.two

For example, vthe vacuumvmay be-gsubmaining zone. Since va highl vacuumtends to pull the web into the mold coveringfeffective removal of the web is assured bythe use ofthe pressure chamber 356 Adisposedzin advance of the point of pick-up.

The new mold eliminates `the usual parallel rods for the support of the winding wire, `The vanes give a much more rigid supportfor the `.winding wire and allow the wire tobe wound more tightly.

.The spacing means of rings intermediate the mold and ringscan be much further apart than `There is no wear due to friction the spidersrequired for the support ofthe old Y parallel rods.

These features all contribute to amold ofV superiorrigidity while enabling the mold face tube much more open than in prior constructions. r)The forward ,pitching of the vanes provides anA inward pumping action at` all speeds, i. e., the pitch Ais such asto overcome centrifugal force. The open mold interiorgreduces turbulence'to` a minimum and thusper- .mits an even undisturbed laying up of the bre mat. Also the vpitched vanes insulate the outside from any internal turbulence whichiremains.

The vacuum provisions enable the level within the mold to be maintained high with increased drainage-head, thus permitting larger drainage flow tothe ends at lower velocity and less turbu- :is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive and that variations in the form and arrangement of parts are possibleand are contemplated under the claims Awhich follow.

I claim:

l. A cylinder machine comprisinga vat, amold journalled for rotation on a horizontal axis in the vat, axed outer circlev in the vat, a. back .head extending transversely of and adjacent '.one

end of the vat, a similarly extending front head .adjacent the vother end of the vat,A an inner circle of yuniformly flexible sheet metal having its ends secured. to and supported exclusively by said heads, and means Afor adjusting at least one of said heads and the adjacent end of thel inner circle on a substantially vertical path.

2. A cylinder machine comprising a vat, a mold journalled forrotation on a horizontal axis in the vat,a xed outer circle in the vat,.albacl head extending transverselyof `and adjacent one end v of the vat, a similarly extending front head adjacent the other end of the vat, ,an inner circle of uniformly flexiblesheet metal having its ends secured to and supported exclusively byV said heads, and means for adjusting -one of said heads and the adjacent end of the inner circle both vertically and horizontally.

3. vA cylinder machine comprising a vat, a mold journalled -for rotation onra horizontal axis in the vat, a xed outer circle in the vat, a back; head Y extending transversely of and adjacent one end of the vat, arsirnilarly. extending front head adjacent the other end of the vat, anY inner circle :the same head. transversely with respectto. the

path of adjustment of the rst nnentioned adjusting means.

4. vAcylindermachine'comprising a vat, arnold j journalled for rotation ona horizontalaxis in the vat, a xed outer circle in the vat,fa back head extending transversely of and adjacent one end of the vat, a similarly extending front head adjacent the other end of the vat, an inner circle of uniformly iexible sheetmetal having its ends secured to and,supportedexclusively by said heads,

and means for adjusting at least one of said heads and the adjacent end of the inner circle on an arcuate path about a center spaced vertically above the bottom of the outer circle.

5. A cylinder machine comprising a vat, a mold journalled for rotation on a horizontal axis in the vat, a xed outer circle in the vat, a back head extending transversely of and adjacent one end of the vat, a similariy extending front head adjacent the other end of the vat, an inner circle of uniformly flexible sheet metal havinfy its ends secured to and supported exclusively by said heads, means for adjusting one of said heads on a vertically disposed. arcuate path concentric with the mold axis and independent means for adn justing the last mentioned head transversely on an arcuate path concentric with a center spaced vertically above the bottom of the outer circle.

6. A cylinder machine comprising a vat, a mold journalled for rotation on a horizontal axis in the A vat, a fixed outer circle in the vat, a baci; head extending transversely of and adjacent one end oi the vat, a similarly extending front head adjacent the other end of the vat, an inner circle of uniformly flexible sheet metal having its ends secured to and supported exclusively by said heads, and means for adjusting the front head on an up wardly and rearwardly inclined path.

7. A cylinder machine comprising a vat, a mold journalled for rotation on a horizontal axis in the vat, a fixed outer circle in the vat, a bacl; head extending transversely of and adjacent one end of the vat, a similarly extending iront head adjacent the other end of the vat, an inner circle oi uniiormly exible sheet metal having its ends secured to and supported exclusively by said heads, means for adjusting` the back head on a substantially vertically disposed path and means, independent of the last mentioned means for adjusting the back head on a forwardly and upwardly inclined path.

8. A cylinder machine comprising a vat, a mold journallcd for rotation on a horizontal axis in the vat, a xed outer circle in the vat, a back head extending transversely of and adjacent one end of the vat, a similarly extending front head adjacent the other end of the vat, an inner circle of uniformly flexible sheet metal having its ends secured to and supported exclusively by said heads, means for adjusting the front head on an upwardly and rearwardly inclined path, means or adjusting the back head on a substantially Vertically disposed path and means, independent of the last mentioned means for adjusting the back head on a forwardly and upwardly inclined path.

9. A cylinder machine comprising a vat, a mold journalled for rotation on a horizontal axis in the vat, a fixed outer circle in the vat, a back head extending transversely of and adjacent one end of the vat, a similarly extending front head adjacent the other end of the vat, an inner circle of uniformly flexible sheet metal having its ends secured to and supported exclusively by said heads, substantially vertically disposed racks connected to one of said heads, a transverse shaft supported by the vat side walls, and gears fast on said shaft meshing with said racks, whereby rotation of the shaft displaces said head on a substantially vertical path for adjustment of the adjacent end of the inner circle.

10. A cylinder machine comprising a vat, a mold journalled for rotation on a horizontal axis in the vat, a fixed outer circle in the vat, a back head extending transversely of and adjacent one end of the vat, a similarly extending front head adjacent the other end of the vat, an inner circle of uniformly flexible sheet metal having its ends secured to and supported exclusively by said. substantially vertically disposed racfs con to one of said heads, a transverse shar" by the vat side walls, gears fast on said shaft meshing with said raclrs, whereby rotation of the shaft displaces said head on a substantially vertical path for adjustment of the adjacent end oi the inner circle, and means for displacing said head transversely with respect to said racl; and gears, to adjust the head and 'the adjacent end of the inner circle laterally.

ll. A cylinder machine comprising a vat, a mold journalled for rotation on a horizontal axis in the vat, a fixed outer circle in the vat, a back head extending transversely of and adjacent one end of the vat, a similarly extending front head adjacent the other end of the vat, an inner circle of uniformly exible sheet metal having its ends secured to and supported exclusively by said heads, an upwardly and laterally inclined rack connected to one of said heads, a transverse shaft carried by the vat side walls, and gears fast on said shaft meshing with said racks, whereby rotation of the shaft displaces said head and the adjacent end of the inner circle on an upwardly and laterally inclined path.

l2. In a cylinder mach.- e, a vat, a fixed outer circle in the vat, an inner circle of flexible sheet material supported in the vat and extending from side wall to side wall of the latter, means for adjustably supporting the position relative to the vat of one end of the inner circle, both vertically and horizontally, an upright plate constituting a stock overflow dam slidably connected to and extending upwardly i'rom said one end and extending between the side walls o the vat, and means on the vat, independent of the means for supporting the inner ircle, supporting the upper end of said plate for vertical and horizontal movement.

i3. In a cylinder machine, a vat, a nxed outer circle in the vat, an inner circle oi' flexible sheet material supported in the vat and extending from side wall to side wall of the latter, means for supporting and horizontally adjustingr one end of the inner circle, an upright plate constituting a stock overflow dam slidably connected to and extending upwardly from said one end and extending between the side walls oi the vat, and means on the vat, independent oi the means for supporting said end of the inner circle, for supporting the upper end of said plate for horizontal movement with said one end and for vertical adjustment with respect thereto.

14. l'n a cylinder machine, a vat, a fixed outer circle in the vat, an inner circle of fiexible sheet material supported in the vat and extending from side wall to side wail of the latter, means for adjusting one end or" said inner circle vertically and horizontally, an upright plate constituting a stock overliow dam slidably connected to and extending upwardly trom said one end and extending between the vat side walls, horizontal bars supported on the vat at the upper end of said plate, means on the plate slidably engaging said bars for the support or the plate and to enable the plate to move horizontally with said one end, and means for vertically adjusting said bars and therewith said plate.

15. In a cylinder machine, a vat having fixed side walls, a fixed, arcuate wall extending therebetween forming an outer circle in the vat, an inner circle of flexible material extending between the side walls above the outer circle, sup- 

